Heating system and method using a fireplace

ABSTRACT

A heating system and method includes a water circulation system for heating the interior of a building. The system further includes a boiler for storing and alternatively heating the water, and a fireplace jacket positioned in a fireplace of the building. The fireplace jacket includes a serpentine shaped length of pipe for circulating water. Fireplace jacket inlet and outlet ports communicate with the boiler for circulating the water in a closed system. A heating system control system manages the circulation of the water in the circulation system. The control system includes a safety unit having a thermometer, and the control system automatically circulates the water when the water is heated to a specified temperature. The control system automatically switches between using fossil fuel to heat the water in the boiler and using the fireplace jacket to heat the water in the boiler.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a heating system and method of heating employing the system, and more specifically, relates to a heating system and method using a wood burning fireplace.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of wood burned in an open fire as a heat source has historically been a common heat source and is increasingly popular as fuel oil, gas, as well as electricity prices increase. However, known wood burning devices and system in fireplaces have failed to provide heating and/or hot-water heating requirements of a building, typically a residential home.

Known heating systems for heating a building or for heating hot water for the building include using the heat from an open wood burning fireplace. However, typical system have not been successful in integrating conventional heating or hot-water heating systems with auxiliary heating capabilities from a wood burning fireplace.

Another known device includes a grate adapted to support wood for a fire disposed in a fireplace. The grate has hollow interior portions in water-communication with water chambers on the bottom and back of the fireplace. Water is also circulated through a jacket and absorbs heat from the fire burning within the fireplace, and then the hot water by convection passes out a water outlet.

Another system includes a fireplace to heat water for radiators in a house. Other systems use a fireplace in conjunction with a standard oil or gas-fired furnace to heat water for the radiators. These systems partially operate using wood fuel as opposed to entirely using oil or gas. However, these systems may have disadvantages relating to convenience and comfort, efficiency, control, and safety. For example, a house may become uncomfortably warm when using a fireplace to heat radiator water. Further, systems may pose a safety hazard in if improperly installed or configured such that high pressures and/or temperatures occur within the system.

It would therefore be desirable for a heating device and heating system employing the device to provide an effective auxiliary heating system using a wood burning fireplace. It would further be desirable for a heating device and system to provide ease of switching between a conventional heating system using fossil fuels and a wood burning system. Additionally, there is a need for a wood burning device and system which provides safety feature ensuring safe usage in a home or other building.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect of the present invention, a heating system includes a water circulation system for heating the interior of a building. A boiler stores and alternatively heats the water. A fireplace jacket is positioned in a fireplace of the building and is remote from the boiler. The fireplace jacket includes a serpentine shaped length of pipe for circulating water therethrough. The fireplace jacket includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and the fireplace jacket inlet and outlet ports communicate with the boiler for circulating the water in a closed system. The jacket inlet port allows ingress of cold water and the jacket outlet port allows egress of hot water to the boiler. A heating system control system manages the circulation of the water in the system. The control system includes a safety unit having a thermometer and the control system automatically circulates the water when the water is heated to a specified temperature. The control system has a transfer unit for switching between using fossil fuel to heat the water in the boiler and using the fireplace jacket to heat the water in the boiler.

In a related aspect, the water circulating in the fireplace jacket is heated by a fire in the fireplace, and the water exits the fireplace jacket at the outlet port and proceeds to the boiler.

The control system quickly dissipates excess heat when the temperature of the water in the system exceeds a specified temperature. A thermostat may be used for determining the temperature of the water circulating in the fireplace jacket, and the fireplace jacket may include a safety unit for release of the hot water when the temperature of the water in the fireplace jacket exceed a specified temperature. The building may be a residential house. In a related aspect, the system provides a single pathway through the serpentine shaped length of pipe for circulating water therethrough in a predetermined path.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for heating the interior of a building comprises: storing and alternatively heating water using a boiler; circulating the heated water in a water circulation system for heating an interior of a building; positioning a fireplace jacket in a fireplace of the building and remote from the boiler, the fireplace jacket including a serpentine shaped length of pipe for circulating water therethrough, the fireplace jacket including an inlet port and an outlet port, the fireplace jacket inlet and outlet ports communicating with the boiler for circulating the water in a closed system, the jacket inlet port allowing ingress of cold water and the jacket outlet port allowing egress of hot water to the boiler; and managing the circulation of the water in the circulation system using a heating system control system, the control system including a safety unit having a thermometer and the control system automatically lowering the temperature by activating all the building heating zones if the temperature of the water exceeds a specified temperature as indicated by the thermometer, the control system having a transfer unit for switching between using fossil fuel to heat the water in the boiler and using the fireplace jacket to heat the water in the boiler.

In a related aspect, the method may further include: heating the water circulating in the fireplace jacket in the fireplace using a fire in the fireplace, such that the water exits the fireplace jacket at the outlet port and proceeds to the boiler, and the boiler includes thermostats for determining when the water temperature reaches a specified temperature for the control system to allow circulation of the hot water through the circulation system in the interior of the building for heating the interior of the building.

In another aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger includes a fireplace jacket for positioning in a fireplace of a building and remote from a boiler. The fireplace jacket includes a serpentine shaped length of pipe for circulating water therethrough. The fireplace jacket includes an inlet port and an outlet port, the fireplace jacket inlet and outlet ports communicating with the boiler for circulating the water in a closed system, and the jacket inlet port allows ingress of cold water and the jacket outlet port allows egress of hot water to the boiler. A single pathway through the serpentine shaped length of pipe of the heat exchanger circulates water therethrough in a predetermined path.

In a related aspect, the fireplace jacket includes a thermostat positioned within the pipe for determining the temperature of the water in the fireplace jacket. The safety unit of the fireplace jacket may be a safety value. In a related aspect, the fireplace jacket is connected to a water circulation system for heating the interior of a building and the boiler for storing and alternatively heating the water. The heat exchanger may be connected to a heating system control system for managing the circulation of the water in the system. The control system automatically switches between using fossil fuel to heat the water in the boiler and using the fireplace jacket to heat the water in the boiler. In a related aspect, the water circulating in the fireplace jacket is heated by a fire in the fireplace, and the water exits the fireplace jacket at the outlet port and proceeds to the boiler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the heating system and heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1-3, a heat exchanger device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is adapted for use in a fireplace 80 to provide heat through a heating system 100 to provide heat for a room or a whole house. The heating exchanger device 10 connects to a primary hydronic boiler 150 using inlet port 112 and outlet 110. The outlet 110 of the heat exchanger device 10 transfers hot water to the boiler 150, and the inlet 112 transfers cooled water into the device 10. Hydronic boilers are used in generating heat for residential and industrial purposes. The heat exchanger device 10 may replace the wood cradle in a fire place. A control system 105 includes a control panel 120 is used for managing the heating system 100 and may automatically run the heating system 100. The control system 105 is used for managing the home heating system and automatically runs the heating system with the house thermostats 172.

In an aspect of the invention, the heating system 100 is a reverse heat zone. More specifically, a typical heating zone 170 (with circulator pumps 178) receives hot water from a boiler and distributes heat from the hot water to the living area of a home (or building or the like) and is regulated by setting a thermostat 172. The heating system 100 of the present invention does the reverse. The present heating system 100 produces hot water by thermal transfer from the fire in a fireplace to circulating water and feeds the boiler 150 that hot water. The main aquastat of the boiler 150 initiates the fuel combustion when the water in the boiler's jacket reaches a low set point of the aquastat control. When the wood fuel system 100 is in operation and the fire in the fireplace is heating the water, the control system 105 is satisfied, i.e., meeting operating specification, and thus the boiler doesn't burn any fuel, e.g., oil. The control system will come on and shut off as need be automatically as the fire dies out or is restocked. Once installed, the system 100 is fully automatic. The owner of the system 100 only has to make and tend to a fire as they would normally do in their fireplace. The system 100 is designed such that if the fireplace is heating the circulating water excessively, the heat is transferred and stored in the interior of the house (or such) making the efficiency higher. If excess heat is generated either by extensive heating or where the water is heated to a high temperature, the excess heat can be directed to living spaces that usually require heat using the control systems function.

The system 100 further includes three mechanical safety systems. The primary safety system 130 is designed to work as a first safety control, for example, if a power outage occurs, or a port is inadvertently left closed, or some other abnormal operating condition occurs that would cause an overheat situation in the system 100. As the heating device attaches into and becomes part of the existing heating boiler 150, the original pressure/temperature safety port 151 (of the boiler 150), as well as the main system expansion tank 152 provide an over temperature/pressure control. A temperature/pressure safety port 130 is positioned within the control system to mechanically provide fail safe protection against an unsafe over heat/over pressure condition. A safety unit is embodied as a burst port which is part of the fireplace jacket and provides a fail safe condition should the connection between the jacketed heat exchanger and control system become disconnected, or plugged. A blow out port 116 is fitted into the pipe 20 of the fireplace jacket 10, as shown in FIG. 2.

More specifically, the primary safety control is embodied as a mechanical temperature/pressure relief port 130 that is part of the system's 100 control or management component. A secondary safety design feature (shown in FIG. 2) provides a fail safe condition to prevent the heat exchanger device 10 from rupturing in the event of an over pressure condition in the system 100. The secondary safety design feature is embodied as a blow out plug 140 (shown in FIG. 2) located in heat exchanger 10 which is positioned in the fire box (fireplace) 80 (FIG. 4). The plug is not affected, i.e., does not respond to the temperature of the water inside the system, only to the pressure of the water within the system 100. It is a weak link in the heat exchanger 10 which provides egress, blows out, of the water in the system if the water pressure exceeds a specified value.

The control system has operational features that first prevent the temperature from getting to a dangerous level, and safely venting the system if an over temperature or over pressure condition arises. The control system also automatically detects when a fire is heating the jacketed water and switches from burning fossil fuel to wood fuel. Further, the control system automatically detects when the wood fuel is not providing adequate heat and switches back to using the fossil fuel for the heating fuel.

The temperature/pressure safety port is positioned within the control system to mechanically provide fail safe protection against an unsafe over heat/over pressure condition. When a high temperature probe in the control system reaches its set point it activates all the circulator pumps to quickly dissipate the heat throughout all radiators in a building.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 10 comprises serpentine or coil shaped tubing or pipe 20 also shaped as a grating and placed in the fireplace 80 (FIG. 3). The heat exchanger 10 is designed to includes water circulating therethrough. The design of the heat exchanger 10 allows for expansion and contraction as the temperature of the circulating water changes. When a fire is made in the fireplace 80, the water is heated and reaches a temperature set point, for example 175 degrees F. The coil shaped heat exchanger is superior to known jacketed heating exchanger and systems because the water is forced to take a defined path through the heat exchanger, and therefore, the water heats evenly. The design of the heat exchanger 10 also heats the cool return water quickly, and provides the supply water with the most heat possible. The heat exchanger 10 is also removable if need be. The heat exchanger is connected to a typical heating system at a return and supply points with a pipe union. The supply and return piping as well as the electrical connection to the temperature probe are drilled through the fireplace wall or floor and then sealed with a high temperature sealant. The entire heat exchanger 10 is located within the fireplace box 80, and behind the front plane of the fireplace 80. This would be behind fireplace doors if such are installed.

In one embodiment, the control system 105 of the heating system 100 includes a control panel 120 and is mounted near to the boiler 150, usually on a wall 108. The control system 105 is mounted in a location with consideration to the temperature/pressure relief port 130. In the event the relief port 130 is opened, the heated water and possibly steam is vented in a safe way. The control system 105 is connected at the bottom to the boiler 150 at junction 154 (FIG. 1). The bottom of the control system 105 has supply and return boiler connections 158, 156, respectively. The supply side of the control system 105 connects into the boiler 150 at the boiler's 150 return side 154. In this way, the water returning from the heating zones has transferred the heat into the living spaces, and therefore is cooler, and is supplied to the heat exchanger 10 for reheating. The return side of the control system 105 is connected at junction 162 to the boiler 150 at the boiler's 150 supply side junction 162. In this way the heated water from the heating system 100 can supply the heating zones if thermostats 172 in the house are calling for heat. If the thermostats are satisfied, the hot water reverse circulates through the boiler 150 and is stored within until needed. When the system reaches the high temperature set point (typically 200 degrees F.), the control system 105 overrides the thermostats and distributes this excess heat to the house, the returning cool water comes back into the heating system 100 and brings the temperature below the high temp set point and the house, and thermostats regain control of the heating zones. The top connections of the control system 105 connect to the heat exchanger 10 by pipes to the appropriate supply/return sides. The connections from the control system 105 to the boiler 150 have shut off valves 160, 118 so the system 100 can be isolated from the boiler 150 and drained without effecting the operation of the boiler 150 if desired.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in forms and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. It is therefore intended that the present invention not be limited to the exact forms and details described and illustrated herein, but falls within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A heating system, comprising: a water circulation system for heating the interior of a building; a boiler for storing and alternatively heating the water; a fireplace jacket positioned in a fireplace of the building and remote from the boiler, the fireplace jacket including a serpentine shaped length of pipe for circulating water therethrough, the fireplace jacket including an inlet port and an outlet port, the fireplace jacket inlet and outlet ports communicating with the boiler for circulating the water in a closed system, the jacket inlet port allowing ingress of cold water and the jacket outlet port allowing egress of hot water to the boiler; and a heating system control system for managing the circulation of the water in the circulation system, the control system including a safety unit having a thermometer and the control system automatically circulates the water when the water is heated to a specified temperature, the control system switching between using fossil fuel to heat the water in the boiler and using the fireplace jacket to heat the water in the boiler.
 2. The heating system of claim 1, wherein the water circulating in the fireplace jacket is heated by a fire in the fireplace, the water exits the fireplace jacket at the outlet port and proceeds to the boiler.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the control system automatically starts and stops circulation of the water when the temperature of the water in system rises to, and falls from the pre set temperature.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the control system prevents a hazardous condition by using a safety value.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the fireplace jacket includes a thermostat positioned within the pipe for determining the temperature of the water in the fireplace jacket, and the fireplace jacket includes a safety unit for preventing excessive pressure of the hot water when the pressure of the water in the fireplace jacket rises to a dangerous level.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein safety unit of the fireplace jacket is a safety value.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the building is a residential house.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the fireplace jacket provides a single pathway through the serpentine shaped length of pipe for circulating water therethrough in a predetermined path.
 9. A method for heating the interior of a building, comprising: storing and alternatively heating water using a boiler; circulating the heated water in a water circulation system for heating an interior of a building; positioning a fireplace jacket in a fireplace of the building and remote from the boiler, the fireplace jacket including a serpentine shaped length of pipe for circulating water therethrough, the fireplace jacket including an inlet port and an outlet port, the fireplace jacket inlet and outlet ports communicating with the boiler for circulating the water in a closed system, the jacket inlet port allowing ingress of cold water and the jacket outlet port allowing egress of hot water to the boiler; and managing the circulation of the water in the circulation system using a heating system control system, the control system automatically circulates the water when the water is heated to a specified temperature, the control system automatically switching between using fossil fuel to heat the water in the boiler and using the fireplace jacket to heat the water in the boiler.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: heating the water circulating in the fireplace jacket in the fireplace using a fire in the fireplace, such that the water exits the fireplace jacket at the outlet port and proceeds to the boiler, and determining when the water temperature reaches the specified temperature using a temperature probe in the control system to allow circulation of the hot water to the boiler and then the circulation system in the interior of the building for heating the interior of the building.
 11. The method of claim 9, further including: preventing circulation of the water when the temperature of the water in the fireplace jacket falls below a specified jacket water temperature using a thermostat positioned within the pipe of the fireplace jacket for determining temperature of the water circulating in the fireplace jacket, and using a safety unit in the fireplace jacket to prevent unsafe pressure build up in the fireplace jacket.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: circulating the water in the fireplace jacket through in a predetermined path providing a single pathway through the serpentine shaped length of pipe.
 13. A heat exchanger, comprising: a fireplace jacket for positioning in a fireplace of a building and remote from a boiler, the fireplace jacket including a serpentine shaped length of pipe for circulating water therethrough, the fireplace jacket including an inlet port and an outlet port, the fireplace jacket inlet and outlet ports communicating with the boiler for circulating the water in a closed system, the jacket inlet port allowing ingress of cold water and the jacket outlet port allowing egress of hot water to the boiler; and a single pathway through the serpentine shaped length of pipe of the heat exchanger for circulating water therethrough in a predetermined path.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the fireplace jacket includes a thermostat positioned within the pipe for determining the temperature of the water in the fireplace jacket, and the fireplace jacket includes a safety unit for preventing excessive pressure build up of the hot water when the temperature and pressure of the water in the fireplace jacket exceed a specified jacket water pressure and temperature.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein safety unit of the fireplace jacket is a safety value.
 16. The heat exchanger of claim 14, wherein the fireplace jacket is connected to a water circulation system for heating the interior of a building and the boiler for storing and alternatively heating the water.
 17. The heat exchanger of claim 16, wherein the heat exchanger is connected to a heating system control system for managing the circulation of the water in the circulation system, the control system including a safety unit having a thermometer and the control system automatically circulates the water when the water is heated to a specified temperature, the control system automatically switches between using fossil fuel to heat the water in the boiler and using the fireplace jacket to heat the water in the boiler.
 18. The heating exchanger of claim 17, wherein the water circulating in the fireplace jacket is heated by a fire in the fireplace, the water exits the fireplace jacket at the outlet port and proceeds to the boiler, the boiler includes a temperature probe for determining when the water temperature reaches a specified boiler water temperature for the control system to allow circulation of the hot water through the circulation system in the interior of the building for heating the interior of the building. 